Chapter 22
Dinner night. AKA "let me pretend we're normal rich people and not talk about the fact that half the table probably has supernatural powers" night.
Mom had outdone herself. The dining room looked like something out of a luxury magazine spread—crystal everywhere, fresh-cut flowers arranged in geometric patterns, and enough fancy tableware to confuse even the most seasoned etiquette expert. I spotted three different types of forks at each place setting. Three. Who needs that many forks?
"Leon, darling," my mother called, gliding into the room in a dress that probably cost more than some people's cars. "Are you wearing that?"
I glanced down at my tailored suit. "What's wrong with this?"
"Nothing, if you're attending a funeral," she said, adjusting my tie. "This is a business dinner, not a wake."
I rolled my eyes. "It's just a black suit, Mom. Literally what every businessman in Tokyo is wearing right now."
"Exactly. It's boring," she said, brushing invisible dust off my shoulders. "We're not trying to blend in, we're trying to impress."
"Pretty sure our mansion does all the impressing needed," I muttered, but let her fuss with my collar anyway.
Look, I know I've got the whole "rich heir" thing going on, but these fancy dinners are next-level ridiculous. Like, we're about to have devils—actual supernatural beings—over for dinner, and Mom's biggest concern is that my tie doesn't have enough personality.
"The Sitris have arrived," Hayama announced from the doorway, looking James Bond levels of professional.
Mom immediately switched to her CEO smile. You know the one—teeth so white they practically blind you, charm cranked to eleven. "Wonderful! Show them in!"
I took a deep breath and put on my best "I'm totally a normal human who doesn't hunt devils at night" face.
And there they were. The Sitri family, looking exactly like what you'd expect from devil aristocracy trying to pass as human rich people. Lord Sitri was tall, intimidating, with that "I've lived for centuries and seen some shit" vibe. Lady Sitri somehow looked both ageless and elegant.
Come to think of it, they were never really introduced properly in the anime.
And then there was Sona.
Okay, I'll admit it. She looked amazing. Navy blue dress, hair styled differently than at school—less strict principal, more elegant heiress. She glanced at me, and I swear I caught the tiniest smile before her poker face returned.
My dad stepped forward, hand extended. "Welcome! Thanks for coming. We believe good business starts with good food and better conversation."
"A sentiment we share," Lord Sitri replied, shaking his hand firmly. Dude's voice was deep enough to rumble the crystal. "Your home is impressive."
"Please, come sit," Mom said, gesturing to the table that probably had more silver on it than most jewelry stores.
We all took our places—humans on one side, devils on the other, like some weird supernatural UN meeting. I ended up directly across from Sona, which was either very good planning or very bad luck, depending on how you look at it.
"So, Souna," my mom started, as the first course arrived, "Leon tells me you run the student council with impressive efficiency."
"Thank you, Mrs. Mishima," Sona replied politely. "I believe organization is key to success."
"She's being modest," I added, smirking slightly.
Sona's eyes narrowed just slightly, but her face stayed perfectly calm.
The conversation shifted to business after that. Hospitals, investments, timelines—all the corporate stuff that would normally put me to sleep, but watching Sona maintain her composure while occasionally catching my eye made it way more entertaining.
Throughout dinner, I kept trying to make Sona crack. A raised eyebrow here, a slight smirk there. Each time, she'd maintain that perfect composure, but I could see the tiny cracks starting to form—a slight twitch at the corner of her mouth, a barely noticeable flush on her cheeks.
By dessert, the business deal was basically done. Handshakes all around, talk of press releases and partnerships.
"It seems our children have set up quite the beneficial arrangement," Lady Sitri said, glancing between me and Sona with that knowing parent look.
"They should definitely continue working closely together as we move forward," my mom added, not even trying to be subtle.
I almost face-palmed. Sona took a sudden, deep interest in her dessert.
"Excellent idea," Lord Sitri agreed. "Souna has mentioned that Leon brings... unique perspectives to the table."
I bit back a laugh. Unique perspectives. That's corporate-speak for "this guy won't shut up and keeps flirting with my daughter."
"I'm happy to collaborate further," I said smoothly. "Sona's insight has been invaluable."
Sona nodded, composure back in place. "Our combined efforts will yield optimal results."
When it was time for goodbyes, Sona and I ended up standing slightly apart from our parents in the foyer.
"Unique perspectives, huh?" I said quietly enough that only she could hear.
She adjusted her glasses—her tell when she's slightly flustered. "You know exactly what I meant."
"Yeah, but it's more fun to pretend I don't."
For just a second, her mask slipped, and I caught a glimpse of the real Sona—sharp, smart, and maybe just a little amused despite herself.
"This partnership would work better if you'd be serious," she said.
"Who says I'm not?" I replied. "I'm dead serious about making this work. I just happen to have fun while doing it."
She studied me for a moment, like I was a math problem she couldn't quite solve. "You're... not what I expected, Leon."
"I get that a lot," I said, grinning. "It's part of my charm."
"Is that what you call it?" she asked, but there wasn't any real annoyance in her voice.
Before I could respond, our parents rejoined us, and the moment was over.
After they left, my dad clapped me on the shoulder. "Nice job, son. You handled that like a pro."
I nodded, still thinking about that brief moment with Sona. "Thanks. This is gonna be an interesting partnership."
"And that Sona is quite remarkable," my mom said, already texting someone about follow-up details. "You two seem to get along well."
I kept my face neutral. "She's... interesting."
My mom got that look. You know the one—where moms think they've discovered your deepest secret. "Is she now?"
"As a business partner," I clarified quickly.
"Of course," she replied with a knowing smile. "Just business."
I sighed and headed for the stairs. "I'm changing out of this funeral suit."
As I climbed the stairs, I couldn't help but smile to myself.
Maybe dinner with devils wasn't such a bad gig after all.